rlaviation - Eddie Rickenbacker

Schaefer

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photo of Eddie with aircraft he shot down during WWI (site)
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Eddie's SPAD XIII marked with the colors of the 94th Aero "Hat in the Ring" Squadron during WWII (this is not his EXACT plane, but it is the same model and design as his) (site)

Eddie Rickenbacker was born October 8, 1890 in Columbus, Ohio.
He was a fighter pilot in WWI and later supported war efforts in WWII.
He is known for many achievements, but his most famous will be discussed below.
First ever "Ace of Aces" -September 29 1918
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Eddie Rickenbacker was the first american to be awarded the title "Ace of Aces" given to the top active ace during a war effort (while mainly reserved for fighter pilots, it also includes, tank aces, and submarine aces) we has credited with 26 of his squadron's total 70 kills
Eddie versus The Red Baron -starting April 6, 1918
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During Eddie's first mission, he encountered Manfred von Richtofen, otherwise known as The Red Baron, and his "Flying Circus", the two would later encounter numerous times, however, neither man managed to down the other in battle.

Eddie's efforts helped America fight its way through WWI, showed that not only is America's Army, Navy, and Marines are the best. But that their Air Force, is also amongst the ranks